The Good Old Guys In Black Bow Ties Celebrate 90 Years In 2020

THE GOOD OLD GUYS IN BLACK BOW TIES CELEBRATE 90 YEARS IN 2020

The World-Renown Kids and Kubs a.k.a. The corporate title "Three-Quarter Century Softball Club St. Petersburg Florida, Inc., " is a one-of-a-kind organization organized in 1930. In 2018, the Club established a plan to look at several factors in need of reworking as we approach the century mark of existence in 2030. Topping the list is player recruitment and Club image. The softball Club lists as its mission, “healthy exercise for men and women over 74 years of age,” and has been in business for 90 years. The Club has made many adjustments over the years to make the game of softball competitive, safe, and age-appropriate for senior citizens over the age of 74.

A distinguishing feature of the “Kids and Kubs” is the symbolic little black bow tie. From the inception of the club, the question of neckwear was the decision of the individual player. George Bakewell, who, as a young man, was a batboy with the Club, then played from 1967 to 1994 and remained active as a member until he died at age 107 in 1999. Bakewell declared of the players’ opinion of the bow ties “Some yes, others not any.” Upon scanning the Club’s historical photographs, it is clear that the bow tie was a favorite and worn almost unanimously by many in a group picture taken in 1937.

True to tradition this Club membership photo shows the Black Bow Tie worn by the team at special events and opening day of every season.

In all probability, the most distinguishing achievement of the "Kids and Kubs" is its survival as an independent organization for 90 years. “Although there are exceptions to every rule, the most important factor for survival (in business) is an emphasis on innovation and reinvention,” according to Yale University Professor Richard Foster. Ninety years of existence is a record for any business. (The life of the average business startup is fifteen years.) Companies and corporations have no guarantee of lasting to 90 or 100 years.

The Club has elements of a typical corporation: an IRS 501(c)3 tax exempt organization, a certificate of registration as a Florida Corporation by the Florida Department of State, an office location at 330 5th Street North, St Petersburg, Phone 727-893-7108. The Club is in the business of entertainment and senior citizen recreation through softball games.

Upon a recent review of the Club’s credentials, the “Kids and Kubs” applied for membership in the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. Thanks to Chris Steinocher and the Chamber for accepting our inclusion in an organization of 1,134 businesses throughout St. Petersburg. The Club will continue to promote the images of the Chamber, the City, and those good old boys wearing bow ties!

Conducting business, the elected Board administers playing rules; determines player personnel; oversees a charitable trust fund, through which modest donations are made yearly to selected local organizations; and conducts Special Events and appearances, all under the watchful eye of Board President, Jon Wilkinson.

The club has played exhibition games with; other Pinellas county softball teams, the Tampa General Hospital Transplant Team's softball players; an interclub exhibition game for Westminster Shores residents; the Chamber of Commerce of St Petersburg; annual games played at Spectrum Field, the home of the Phillies Spring training games and the Clearwater Threshers of the Florida State League; and traditionally a yearly game with the Mayor of St Petersburg City "Hall Stars" preceded that day by a game with the Teen Arts, Sports, and Cultural Opportunities players. On several occasions, the Club has played intraclub exhibitions games at Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Ray’s major league team.

If interested in playing, male or female, who will be 75 this year call Club President Jon Wilkinson at 813-244-8573, or if no answer, our office (727-893-7108) and leave name and number. Or visit us at North Shore Park, 901 North Shore Blvd. Summer ball played Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 AM throughout the summer.

Contributors to this article: Ed Asay, Will Michaels, Jon Reynolds